Let's Knit, issue 98, Christmas 2015

Crochet Nativity YOU’LL LOVE OUR CUTE SET!

Little helpers!

ISSUE 98 XMAS 2015

BUDDY & BELLE THE MINI ELF TWINS

THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG

It’s Christmas!

45

+ Festive patterns

Y Quick decorations Y Easy two-ball knits Y Cosy baby projects

ONE SIZE FITS ALL

Quick & Funit Weekend Kn

ISSUE 98 XMAS 2015 £5.99

XMAS HOME SPECIAL

Gifts for all the family

NS STASH-BUSTING DESIG

READ THIS!

KNITTING FOR LOVED ONES HANDY HOW-TO GUIDE

SIMPLE MAKESRE TO KNIT & SHA

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BRITISH SHIMMER & SHINE KNITTING AWARDS 8 OF THE BEST THE RESULTS ARE IN! SPARKLY YARNS

WHAT’S INSIDE

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CHRISTMAS 2015

CONTENTS

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81

47

40

Who cares?

...We do!

At Let’s Knit we understand that nothing is more annoying than errors in knitting patterns. As part of our total commitment to ensuring that your experience of our magazine is as enjoyable as possible, we’re proud to offer THE LET’S KNIT PATTERN PROMISE: • Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at www.letsknit.co.uk • Should you encounter any problems we are more than happy to provide support and assistance. Contact us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.

By email: support@letsknit. co.uk By telephone: 01206 508622 (office hours only) By post: at the address on page 95­(please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)

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PATTERNS 13 Mulled Wine A semi-fitted stylish festive sweater with a lace pattern 16 Buddy & Belle Meet our little elf friends, children of Bernard and Bernardette 21 Merry & Bright A geometric print cowl in pink tones by Helen Ardley

47 Heads-Up Kelly Menzies’ headband combines style with festive cheer 55 Stripe Central A casual boyfriend-style cardigan using colourwork 60 One Skein Hat An autumnal textured beanie with pompom trim 63 Nordic Adventure A charming v-neck men’s vest in Rowan Hemp Tweed

24 Striking Textured Sweater Penny Hill’s fashion forward houndstooth knit

69 Happy Holidays Quick festive knits for you to try as the season approaches

32 Home for Christmas Embrace the festive spirit in your home with a collection of gorgeous makes

81 Silent Night Crochet your own Mary and Joseph figures by Liz Ward

40 Little Piglet An adorbale piggy-inspired toddler hat by Jane Burns 44 Easy Elegance A simple lace scarf pattern

by Sian Brown to ease you into the style

04 www.letsknit.co.uk

85 Clematis Petals A classic v-neck pullover for baby by Camilla Miller

SHOPPING 22 Gifts for Knitters Your shopping list all wrapped up!

WHAT’S INSIDE

85

44

60

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This month’s

GIFTS

21

WIN!

OVER £3,362 WORTH OF PRIZES ON P78

69 58 Festive Stash Staples All the yarns you’ll need for a knitted Christmas 75 Shining Silver Inject some razzle dazzle into your stash with these glittery yarns 76 What’s In Store Get the hot gossip from our favourite shops around the UK

FOCUS 8 Let’s Knit Loves Catch up with the latest news and gossip from the knitting universe 28 British Knitting Awards The results are in! See who has won this years’ awards 30 Home for Christmas Inspire a festive home this year with our very own Christmas decorations 42 Top Tips for a Stress Free Christmas Gift Knitting Do’s and Don’t’s

to help you through the festive season 89 Knit School Learn how to correct mistakes with Adrienne Chandler

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Craft your own Santa filled with festive cheer from our bonus yarn kit!

PEOPLE 50 Stop & Share Catch up with the LK community 98 Last Word We chat to Mitsuki Hoshi, author of The Night Before Christmas and reknowned amigurumist

IN EVERY ISSUE...

3 Welcome 7 This Month’s Free Gift 10 Christmas is the Season 36 Subscriptions 49 Coming Next Month 52 Tea Break 67 Bookshelf 78 Bumper Gveaways 92 Practical Guides 94 Step By Step

05 Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk

OUR COVER STAR!

EASY LACE SWEATER

Mulled Wine

EXCLUSIVE TO

Anniken Allis’ lace top is super soft and subtly festive!

Red sweaters always look cheerful and this design features a dainty lace pattern to bring a touch of elegance to the season. The yarn contains 20% alpaca fibre so it has a soft halo which is lovely and cosy, whilst retaining the stitch definition needed to show off the eyelet design. The shoulders are shaped using German short rows, so read our Knitwise panel overleaf before you begin.

meet our

DESIGNER “This sweater is worked in the round from the bottom to the underarm. The front and back will be worked separately to the shoulders which are joined using a three-needle cast off.

The sleeves stitches are picked up around the armhole and worked from the top down.”

ANNIKEN ALLIS

13 www.letsknit.co.uk

EASY LACE SWEATER back and pull up, p to end £ Row 3: k5 (6, 7, 8), turn £ Row 4: sl 1 wyif, take working yarn over RH needle to back and pull up, p to end £ Row 5: k to end, working wraps as they appear Place sts on holder

FRONT Rejoin yarn to 81 (91, 103, 113) sts for Front

SHAPE ARMHOLES

£ Cast off 4 (5, 6, 7) sts at beg of next two rows. 73 (81, 91, 99) sts £ Next row (RS): k2, ssk, work in patt to last four sts, k2tog, k2.

71 (79, 89, 97) sts £ Next row (WS): p2, p2tog, p to last four sts, p2tog tbl, p2. 69 (77, 87, 95) sts £ Rep last two rows a further 1 (1, 2, 3) times. 65 (73, 79, 83) sts £ Cont to dec on RS row only once more. 63 (71, 77, 81) sts £ Cont working in patt until Front meas 44.5 (45.5, 46, 47.5) cm, ending after a WS row

SHAPE LEFT NECK

£ Row 1 (RS): k20 (24, 26, 28), turn, place rem sts on holder £ Row 2 (WS): p1, p2tog, p to end.

19 (23, 25, 27) sts £ Row 3: k to last three sts, k2tog, k1. 18 (22, 24, 26) sts £ Rep last two rows once more. 16 (20, 22, 24) sts £ Cont working in st st until left Front matches Back to shoulder shaping, ending after a RS row

SHAPE LEFT SHOULDER

NOTE: Shoulders are worked using German short rows

£ Row 1 (WS): p10 (12, 14, 16), turn £ Row 2 (RS): sl 1 wyif, take working yarn over RH needle to back and pull up, k to end £ Row 3: p5 (6, 7, 8), turn £ Row 4: sl 1 wyif, take working yarn over RH needle to back and pull up, k to end £ Row 5: p to end, working wraps as they appear £ Leave sts on holder

SHAPE RIGHT NECK

Leave 23 (23, 25, 25) sts at centre Front on holder, rejoin yarn to rem 20 (24, 26, 28) sts £ Row 1 (RS): k to end £ Row 2 (WS): p to last three sts, p2tog tbl, p1. 19 (23, 25, 27) sts £ Row 3: k1, ssk, k to end. 18 (22, 24, 26) sts £ Rep last two rows once more. 16 (20, 22, 24) sts £ Next row: p to end

SHAPE RIGHT SHOULDER

NOTE: Shoulders are worked using German short rows

£ Row 1 (RS): k10 (12, 14, 16), turn £ Row 2 (WS): sl 1 wyif, take working yarn over RH needle to back and pull up, p to end £ Row 3: k5 (6, 7, 8), turn £ Row 4: sl 1 wyif, take working yarn over RH needle to back and pull up, p to end £ Row 5: k to end, working wraps as they appear Leave sts on holder

SLEEVES Join shoulders by working a three-needle cast off on the WS (see page 85) £ Using 4.5mm (40cm) circular needle, beg at underarm with RS facing, pick up and k4 (5, 6, 7) sts from underarm, 27 (28, 31, 33) sts to shoulder, 27 (28, 31, 33) sts to underarm and 4 (5, 6, 7) sts from underarm, join work in the rnd taking care not to twist sts, pm for beg of rnd. 62 (66, 74, 80) sts £ Row 1 (RS): k41 (44, 49, 53), turn £ Row 2 (WS): sl 1 wyif, take working yarn over RH needle to back and pull up, p20 (22, 24, 26), turn £ Row 3: sl 1 wyif, take working yarn over RH needle to back and pull up, k to turning point, k double st tog, k1, turn £ Row 4: sl 1 wyif, take working yarn over RH needle to back and pull up, p to turning point, p double st tog, p1, turn £ Rep last two rows until only underarm sts rem £ Next row: p to end £ K ten rnds, working wraps as they appear

NOTE: You may find it easier to change to double-pointed needles

£ Next rnd: k1, ssk, k to last three sts, k2tog, k1 £ Work 6 (6, 5, 4) rnds £ Rep last 7 (7, 6, 5) rnds a further 10 (11, 13, 15) times. 40 (42, 46, 48) sts £ Cont in st st until Sleeve meas 40 (41, 41.5, 42.5) cm from underarm £ Next rnd: p to end £ Next rnd: k to end £ Rep last two rnds twice more £ Next rnd: p to end £ Cast off loosely

NECKBAND

£ Using 4.5mm (40cm) circular needle, beg at left shoulder with RS facing, pick up and k 32 (33, 35, 36) sts to Front neck, k23 (23, 25, 25) from Front neck holder, pick up and k 32 (33, 35 36) sts to right shoulder,

Try lace knitting! pick up and k five sts to Back neck, 31 (31, 33, 33) sts from Back neck holder pick up and k five sts to left shoulder, join work in the rnd taking care not to twist sts, pm for beg of rnd 128 (130, 138, 140) sts £ Rnd 1: p to end

£ Rnd 2: k to end £ Rep last two Rnds twice more £ Rnd 7: p to end £ Cast off Weave in all ends and block to measurements LK

“German short rows are used to shape the shoulders, but you can use regular short row shaping if you prefer”

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LK Editorial Assistant Isobel Smith

CASUAL CHIC

EXCLUSIVE TO

Stripe Central Channel the oversized trend in Jo Allport’s must-have cardigan ‘Boyfriend’ jumpers are the perfect union of on-trend style and relaxed comfort, and this stripy pattern achieves the ‘casual chic’ look beautifully. With coordinating stripe colours, it’s a great chance to improve your colourwork skills and learn a new decorative rib. The luxurious merino and cashmere blend is so soft you’ll want to live in it!

meet our

DESIGNER “I adore colour and stripes, and love it when I can combine these both with texture. Add an interesting rib pattern to the design and it makes it even more fun to knit. Make this cardigan in your favourite colours and you’ll be wearing it all winter!”

JO ALLPORT

55 www.letsknit.co.uk

CASUAL CHIC

knitwise

k1, * p3, k1, p2, k1, rep from * to last 1 (1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5) sts, p1 (1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3), k0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2) £ Row 2: p0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2), k1 (1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3), * p1, k2, p1, k1, LT, rep from * to last 5 (5, 5, 7, 7, 7, 9, 9) sts, p1, k2, p1, k1 (1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3), p0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2) £ Row 4: p0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2), k1 (1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3), * p1, k2, p1, RT, k1, rep from * to last 5 (5, 5, 7, 7, 7, 9, 9) sts, p1, k2, p1, k1 (1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3), p0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2) £ Rep Rows 1-4 once more £ Cast off all sts kwise with WS facing

Twists and turns

Twists are surprisingly simple to achieve and look beautiful when completed.

Here’s how to work them in this pattern: Right twist (RT) K2tog and leave the sts on the left needle, then knit the first stitch again. Drop both sts off the left needle.

Left twist (LT) Miss the first st and knit the second st through the back of the loop (tbl), see below, then knit both sts together tbl

BUTTONBAND £ Using 4.5mm needles and yarn A with RS facing, pick up and k 90 (90, 97, 104, 104, 111, 118, 118) sts down Left front £ Rows 1 and 3 (WS): p1, k1, * p3, k1, p2, k1, rep from * to last four sts, p3, k1 £ Row 2: p1, * k1, LT, p1, k2, p1, rep from * to last five sts, k1, LT, p1, k1 £ Row 4: p1, * RT, k1, p1, k2, p1, rep from * to last five sts, RT, k1, p1, k1 £ Rep Rows 1-4 once more then Row 1 again £ Cast off

BUTTONHOLE BAND £ Using 4.5mm needles and yarn A, with RS facing pick up and k 90 (90, 97, 104, 104, 111, 118, 118) sts up Right front £ Rows 1 and 3 (WS): k1, p3, * k1, p2, k1, p3, rep from * to last two sts, k1, p1 £ Row 2: k1, p1, k1, LT, * p1, k2, p1, k1, LT, rep from * to last st, p1 £ Row 4: k1, p1, RT, k1, * p1, k2, p1, RT, k1, rep from * to last st, p1 Working in patt, work buttonhole row as folls:

NOTE: buttonhole is worked in each p3 section £ Row 5 (WS): k1, p1, yrn twice, p2tog, * k1, p2, k1, p1, yrn twice, p2tog, rep from * to last two sts, k1, p1 £ Next row: drop first loop of yrn and work second loop in patt as Row 2 £ Work three more rows in patt £ Cast off

To make up

Sew sleeve cap into armhole then sew sides and sleeve seams. Attach buttons. Weave in ends and block lightly LK

57 www.letsknit.co.uk

STYLISH SLIP STITCH PATTERN

Nordic Adventure Make sure he stays warm this winter with a classic tank top from Rowan Inspired by the rugged and dramatic landscape of the Faroe Islands, this tank top is knitted in Rowan’s new Hemp Tweed yarn. The earthy colours make it a good choice for men who prefer muted shades with subtle patterning. The soft sheen on the yarn means it can also be dressed up for the office.

“This elegant stitch pattern could be incorporated into all sorts of projects from jumpers to cushions” LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler

63 www.letsknit.co.uk

EASY QUICK-KNIT DECS

Happy Holidays Trim your tree with Susie Johns’ simple and speedy decs Give your festive fir a crafty makeover with these sweet little projects. The Christmas

EXCLUSIVE TO

tree is really easy to make and can be embellished with buttons and beads. The Snowman is knitted in the round in stocking stitch and is a great opportunity to practise using double-pointed needles.

Lastly, the owl wreath is a brilliant way to get these popular birds into your seasonal decorations. Why not make lots and personalise them by using different colours.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 71

“If you omit the hanging loop from the snowman and embroider the eyes and buttons, he would be a lovely stocking filler for a tiny tot” LK Deputy Editor ADRIENNE CHANDLER

knit WISE These projects use slightly smaller needles than you would usually expect for a DK weight yarn. This is because you want to produce a firm fabric, so that the decorations hold their shape. It also means the stuffing won’t show through.

69 www.letsknit.co.uk

meet our DESIGNER “It would be great to make dozens of these little trinkets to hang all over the tree. If you’re using a wool yarn, I suggest packing them in a box with a few mothballs when you put them away.”

SUSIE JOHNS

AMAZING TEN-PIECE SET!

Silent Night: Part 1 Create a Christmas classic with Liz Ward’s crocheted nativity

This brilliant collectors’ set is sure to become a regular fixture in your festive display. We love the level of detail, from the Wise Men’s gifts to the shepherd’s crooks.

In this issue, we bring you the patterns for Mary and Joseph. The given yarn amounts are for all the figures, although only yarns A to F are required for Mary and Joseph.

Look out for Part 2 in next issue, on sale 30th October.

meet our

DESIGNER “I’ve designed this nativity to look like the primary school shows. To me it’s the tea towel headdresses, stuck-on beards and bits of tinsel that make it so special. I might never have gotten to play Mary but I rocked it as a Wise Man!” LIZ WARD

81 www.letsknit.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE TO

AMAZING TEN-PIECE SET!

Extra Christmas Patterns!

These super-cute designs are just the ticket for spreading seasonal cheer and what’s more, they are FREE to download from www.letsknit.co.uk

end, do not turn £ Fasten off Sew headdress in place, securing to Arms with a few sts

To make up Embroider mouth using two straight stitches. Using yarn E, embroider straight stitches to make a fringe poking out from headdress

JOSEPH HEAD AND BODY

end, turn £ Row 40: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end, do not turn £ Fasten off Place around Joseph’s neck and sew in place

To make up Attach Beard to face. Wrap Scarf around neck, as shown, and stitch to ridge round on body LK

NOTE: start at the head

£ Work Head and body, Arms and Hands as for Mary

SHORT HEADDRESS £ Using yarn D, work as for Mary

BEARD Using 3.5mm hook and yarn E, make 16ch, sl st in first ch to make a loop £ Row 1: 1ch, 1dc in next seven ch, turn Work on these seven sts only £ Rows 2-4: 1ch, dc2tog, 1dc in each st to end, turn. Four sts £ Row 5: 1ch, (dc2tog) twice, turn. Two sts £ Row 6: 1ch, dc2tog. One st £ Fasten off

SCARF Using 3.5mm hook and yarn F, make four ch £ Row 1: 1dc in second ch from hook, 1dc in each st to end.

Three sts £ Row 2-39: 1ch, 1dc in each st to

coming next issue

PART 2 OF LIZ WARD’S CROCHET NATIVITY SET November issue of Let’s Knit, on sale Friday 30th October

“If you’re new to knitting or want to brush up on your technique head over to our website, www.letsknit.co.uk. Our easy-to-follow tutorials show you how to cast on, cast off and all the knitty-gritty in between!” Sarah Neal Editor Find hundreds more free patterns to knit and crochet at

www.letsknit.co.uk

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FLEO AN TU HDOI PG A DN AY GRREI B| BYEADR N C AS R

EXCLUSIVE TO

Clematis Petals

Knitted in a super smooth pure merino yarn, this petite vest will prove to be a handmade staple in your little one’s wardrobe. Camilla’s

Camilla Miller’s classic baby vest pattern will be cherished for years to come

timeless design can be paired with almost anything and it can easily be made in any colour you desire. Better yet, the lacy pattern is easily worked so this a great garment for beginner lace knitters.

You can find all the yarn you’ll need at your local yarn store, so visit www.jamescbrett.co.uk or call 01274 565959 to find a stockist near you!

meet our

DESIGNER “This fun lace V-neck vest is the perfect knit for layering and keeping your little one cosy.”

CAMILLA MILLER

85 www.letsknit.co.uk